Dye sublimation is an old technique. It was initially designed to print on plastic parts and items for awards, as well as specialty printed items for industry needs. The system differs from most other printing methods in that the pigments used are specifically designed to bond to plastics or polyesters. As we'll see later, the use of polyesters is critical here.
Sublimation printing entails placing your designs on a special transfer paper, that is then heat-pressed directly onto the garment, transferring the design to the product.
Sublimation fabric printing is a good option for digital textile printing on polyester fabrics. Items printed using this method have more photo-realistic, vibrant-colours. This printing style is used by digital artists and printers to preserve the physical appearance of their artwork when exported from a computer.
Why choose Sublimation Printing?:
When it comes to come sublimation-printing, it is suitable for personalising t-shirts, running tops, vests, and all other polyester sports wear that needs a soft print.
Special Dye Sublimation Considerations:
Possible white creases in the print:
It is normal for the printing process for dye sublimation to leave white marks and imperfections where there are creases. These white marks are most commonly found near the armpit. For standard dye sublimation, the garment must be made of white polyester.
Please keep in mind that dye sublimation cannot achieve true black because t-shirts can only absorb so much ink. As a result, black is often less saturated than other colours and appears off-black.
Dye sublimation is especially suitable for all over randomly placed designs, rather than position specific designs, but please contact any dye sublimation companies you are always aware of the potential print creases.
Dye Sublimation: Another option for printing t-shirts
Then dye sublimation printing might be your best option. Dye sublimation has a long history. It was initially intended to print on plastic parts and award items, as well as specialty printed items for industry needs. The system is distinct from most other printing methods because the pigments used are specifically designed to bond to plastics or polyesters. The use on polyesters is critical, as we will see later.
However, before proceeding, take a moment to review the other most popular printing methods for apparel.
These include screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) and heat transfer.
The process of applying ink to a screen to create a design is known as screen printing. To be cost-effective, each design requires a unique screen, which means that a large number of the same design must be produced. To compensate for the setup times required for screen printing, many screen-printing shops will have a minimum order requirement.
Depending on the size of the design, the ink quality, the amount of squeegee pressure used, the number of strokes, and the mesh count, you can print 200 to 500 t-shirts with a gallon of printing ink.
Furthermore, screen printing inks are thicker than those used for other printing methods, allowing them to last longer and produce more accurate colours..
When to Choose Dye Sublimation:
Dye sublimation clothing is ideal for when you want a multicoloured design on a light-colored, moisture-wicking fabric. The embedding process keeps the garment durable while also keeping it soft to the touch. There is no stiffness, and there is no risk of the vinyl cracking later. Because the ink is embedded in the fabric, your design will be both vibrant and breathable.
To begin with, these shirts are typically made of polyester or nylon-based fabrics, which are ideal for this type of printing. Second, these garments are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear over the course of their lives. While other dying processes may crack or deteriorate over time, dye sublimation will retain its appearance even after repeated applications.
T-shirt printing and clothing embroidery techniques abound. T-shirt screen printing, vinyl printing, heat pressed shirts, DTG printing, t-shirt transfers, 3d print t-shirts, embroidered t-shirts, direct garment printing, sublimation t-shirt printing, and more.
Things to Consider:
Dye sublimation is not suitable for all printing projects. If your shirt isn't polyester or polymer-coated, a more traditional screen printing method may be preferable. The colour of your fabric may also influence the imprint colors. Darker fabrics will not work as well because the design will be less visible. Any white areas in your design will appear the same colour as the fabric. Wearing white or a lighter colour can help to mitigate this.
Dye sublimation is an excellent choice for a wide range of projects, and our soft and comfortable long-sleeved shirts may be ideal for your next endeavour! In this process, dye sublimation shirts are involved. Jerseys and solar protection/cooling shirts (for example, long-sleeved fishing or running shirts) are ideal candidates for this type of printing.
The procedure for dye sublimation shirts, Dye sublimation is a printing technique that uses ink and heat to embed a design on fabric.
White polyester fabric is the standard custom printed fabric for sublimation printing. Polyester-coated items are ideal for hard substrates. Yes, you've probably seen coloured garments with sublimation decoration. Although light colours can be printed, because fabric sublimation inks are transparent, the graphic will take on the colour of the garment. Printing a blue ball on a light-yellow polyester garment, for example, will result in a green ball. If a colour shift is not an issue, you can also print on light-colored, 100% polyester fabrics.
Conclusion:
Dye sublimation printing got its name because it was initially thought that the dye went through solid and gas states without going through the liquid stage. Because of the name's popularity, it was too late to change it when it was discovered to be incorrect. The term dye diffusion is correct.
Heat is required for dye sublimation printing to transfer a dye onto substrates such as fabric, promotional posters, paper, cardboard, and other similar materials. This printing technique can also be used on clothing and sportswear, ceramic tiles, and even skateboards and automobiles.
